Mike Norvell sees Patrick Payton embracing challenge of next steps

Mike Norvell has seen Florida State defensive end Patrick Payton continue to progress in his third college season. Payton had a breakout year as a redshirt freshman in 2022 to finish with 31 tackles (six for loss), five sacks and a forced fumble to claim the ACC’s Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

This year, he’s emerged as a starter at defensive end along with Jared Verse, and Norvell has noticed one area where his game has drastically improved. Speaking with media on Wednesday, the coach lauded Payton for his focus on technique this offseason, saying it’s paid off with his play.

“He has taken and embraced the technical part of it,” Norvell said. “He’s always done a pretty good job of playing hard, but now playing with leverage. Playing with power. Things that coach (Josh) Storms has developed in him in the weight room and being able to apply that on the field has been really big. You see him play with much better power angles.”

Payton came out strong in the season opener against LSU to finish with four tackles and one pass defended. He was a big part of a Seminoles pass rush that sacked quarterback Jayden Daniels four times and also forced an interception in a dominant 45-24 victory.

Payton did not record any stats the following week against Southern Miss as Florida State won 66-13. Norvell admitted the defensive end still needs to work on being more consistent with what he brings, but there’s no denying he has the tools to make a major impact for the defense.

“The consistency of that is where the challenge lies with him, but I think he embraces that,” the coach said. “He embraces the understanding that if I play with great technique, he is powerful. He is strong. Obviously, he’s got length. That’s something he’s put a lot of work into and I think it showed up in his play.”

Florida State has so far gotten off to an impressive start and ranks No. 4 in the country with a real chance to compete for a College Football Playoff bid. So far this season, the Seminoles rank 28th in the country with six sacks through two games. They ended last year 21st in points allowed per game (20.6) and will need to continue that level of play with help from Payton to reach their goals.

Patrick Payton’s next chance to make an impact will come when Florida State faces Boston College at noon ET on Saturday.